About 100 people gathered in Clarke Square to commemorate the life and legacy of union leader and organizer Cesar E. Chavez, a year after a statue was dedicated in his honor. Chavez died in 1993.

“Chavez was an inspiration to me,” said Charles Simonsen, 54, who has a tattoo of Chavez on his wrist. “I got this tattoo because he was such a great person and it reminds me that I can try and be as amazing as he was,” he said. Simonsen, a retired farmer, added, “I always shake his hand when I come visit his monument. I could bring flowers or other things but I feel like a handshake is the ultimate sign of respect; he deserves nothing less.”

According to Eugene Manzanet, a member of the Clarke Square Neighborhood Initiative board of directors, “This man means a lot to our community; we need to continue to share his history and learn from the great things he did.”